Energy is a critical economic driver for Alaska. Innovations in clean energy in particular are helping secure a more sustainable, reliable and affordable energy future for all Alaskans. From increasing development of renewable energies to investing in energy efficiency and grid technologies, modernizing Alaska’s energy infrastructure will help power a stronger economy.
That is why it was so encouraging to see Congress pass the Energy Act of 2020 as part of the omnibus spending bill that was signed into law late last year. Representing the first major clean energy innovation package passed by Congress in more than a decade, the Energy Act of 2020 will invest in clean energy, grid modernization, battery storage, and more.
Alaskans should be thankful to have a leader like Sen. Lisa Murkowski representing our interests in Washington, D.C. She not only helped lead the effort to include the Energy Act of 2020 in the omnibus bill, but was also responsible for around 10 provisions within the legislation. By working to advance bipartisan, commonsense energy solutions, Sen. Murkowski is helping Alaska’s energy industry continue to find innovative ways to meet our state’s unique energy needs.
While passage of the Energy Act of 2020 was critical, there is still much work to be done to strengthen and modernize our energy infrastructure — here in Alaska and in the Lower 48. Sen. Murkowski’s leadership and support of Alaska’s energy industry should serve as a model for Alaska’s entire congressional delegation.
— Gwen Holdmann
Director, Alaska Center for Energy and Power
Fairbanks
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